MARITIME OPS IN SOUTH CHINA SEA IMPLEMENTED THROUGH WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The implementation of maritime operations in the South China Sea is carried out using a 'whole-of-government' approach to ensure all strategies and actions in the area are integrated and optimised using the resources and assets currently owned by the government, the State Assembly was told today.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the state government, together with the National Security Council (MKN), the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) as the leading national security agency, is always proactive in coordinating the implementation of maritime operations through platforms such as the Maritime Operations Committee (JBOM) and State Security Working Committee. (JKKN).

"On the ground, the security agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) are always committed to continuing strategic operations in sensitive areas of the South China Sea with a show of presence of the nation's air and maritime assets,” he said.

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"The implementation of periodic patrols and operations by the National Security Agency (NSA) team aims to ensure the safety of the country's economic activities, such as hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in the area, is always preserved while defending the country's sovereignty," he said.

He said this in response to a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) who asked about the coordination efforts between Sabah and federal authorities, such as the MMEA and RMN, to safeguard Sabah's maritime borders in light of threats in the South China Sea.

Elaborating further, Abidin said several collaborations between state and federal agencies through integrated operations, which also involve the Sabah Ports and Wharf Department (JPDS), Sabah Fisheries Department, Malaysian Marine Department, and Sabah Port Authority are also carried out and strengthened every year.

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"Apart from this, the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the state government, is actively submitting protests to any country found to be intruding into Malaysian waters.

"Threats in the South China Sea waters are complex and sensitive issues. They need to be managed and coordinated with international diplomatic relations in a peaceful and rational manner to avoid tensions on the ground, in line with universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," he said.

He said the country’s interests in terms of security and sovereignty will continue to be the main basis for any actions taken regarding threats in the South China Sea.

"The state government closely monitors any developments and current situations in the area, involving cooperation from various ministries and related agencies at both the federal and state levels, to ensure that the issue is addressed promptly and efficiently without causing any tension on the ground.

"Any situation that happens in the South China Seas region can have implications, either directly or indirectly, on the country's security and economy, as well as threaten the country's sovereignty," he added.

-- BERNAMA